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Lodge Re-signs For The Long Term

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Rising Brisbane Broncos’ prop Matt Lodge has signed a three-year contract extension with the club.

The New South Wales Emerging State of Origin squad member has re-signed until the end of the 2022 season, becoming the latest talented Bronco to lock in their long-term future with the club.

Lodge, 24, joins Queensland Origin prop Joe Ofahengaue and Dally M Rookie Of The Year Jamayne Isaako, both 23, Junior Kangaroo prop Patrick Carrigan, 21, as well as New South Wales Origin prop Payne Haas, and young playmaker Cory Paix, both 19, who have all committed to long-term deals with the Broncos.

One of the hardest workers at the Broncos, Lodge has emerged as the leader both on and off the field, taking on a leadership role around the club mentoring younger players.

“It’s been quite a long journey over the last few years but I’ve got my dream contract with my dream club and at the end of the day the decision was made pretty easy for me because this is where I want to be,” said Lodge.

“There was some interest from other places and the money was good but at the end of the day I had to step back from that and I’m happy here.

“When I was out of the game I guess I looked forward to the first contract that would be put on the table and eventually I just drew a line and I’m happy with where I am and with what the club has given me – I recommitted here and I love this place.

“When I made the decision to stay I knew that this is a group of people that have supported me since I first got back and I wanted to repay the faith, and I wanted to give the fans and this club something they can be proud of and I’ll be working really hard to get that result.

“We’ve got a young group and Seibs made the decision to elevate me up to that leadership group and it’s something that I enjoy doing because I get on so well with them – and that came into my decision to stay as well. I’m really looking forward to building something with them here and working really hard both on and off the field to get the results we all dream of.

“We’ve got a good training staff, coaching staff and I’ve got all the trust and faith in the people from the top down at this club to get us where we need to go.

“We just need to turn up every day and work our hardest and listen to those guys and we have a group that’s going to go a long way in the next few years and that’s part of the reason why I’m looking forward to staying around.”

Broncos CEO Paul White said: “We have been unwavering in our support for Matt over recent years, and it has been really pleasing to see his growth both on and off the footy field.

“He has matured into a leader and mentor for many of our younger players, and continues to work on his own development through studies and community work, as well as being a loving father to young Coby and partner to Jess.

“We are really pleased that Matt has repaid the faith that we have shown in him by committing long-term to the Broncos.”

Last week, exciting outside back Xavier Coates, 18, also signed an upgraded contract to the end of 2021 ahead of his NRL debut in the Broncos’ outstanding win over the Sharks on Sunday.